Ramsar Wetlands
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing essential services such as water purification, flood control, carbon storage, and biodiversity support. Recognizing their global importance, certain wetlands are designated as Ramsar Sites, a status that highlights their international ecological significance. These wetlands are protected and managed under a global treaty known as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
What is the Ramsar Convention?
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty adopted in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran. It came into force in 1975 and is one of the oldest global environmental agreements. The primary objective of the convention is the conservation and wise use of wetlands through local, national, and international cooperation.
India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982. Since then, the country has been actively identifying and designating wetlands of international importance. The convention does not impose strict legal restrictions but encourages member countries to develop policies and frameworks for sustainable wetland management.
Key Principles of the Ramsar Convention
• Wise Use of Wetlands: Sustainable utilization of wetlands without degrading their ecological character.
• Conservation of Biodiversity: Protection of species, especially migratory birds and aquatic life.
• International Cooperation: Collaboration between countries for shared wetland ecosystems.
• Site Designation: Identification and protection of wetlands of international importance.
What is a Ramsar Site?
A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated as being of international importance, based on criteria such as biodiversity richness, presence of rare species, or ecological uniqueness. These sites are included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance.
Important Facts about Ramsar Sites
• Ramsar Sites are not strictly protected areas but receive priority for conservation.
• They are monitored for ecological health and sustainability.
• Any negative change in ecological character must be reported.
• They often support large populations of migratory birds.
• They contribute to climate change mitigation by storing carbon.
Importance of Ramsar Wetlands
Ramsar wetlands provide multiple ecological and socio-economic benefits:
• Water Purification: Natural filtration of pollutants and wastewater
• Flood Control: Absorb excess rainfall and reduce flood risk
• Biodiversity Support: Habitat for fish, birds, amphibians, and plants
• Livelihood Support: Fisheries, agriculture, tourism
• Climate Regulation: Carbon sequestration and temperature regulation
Complete List of Ramsar Sites in India (State-wise with Districts)
Andhra Pradesh
1. Kolleru Lake — West Godavari & Krishna
Assam
2. Deepor Beel — Kamrup
Bihar
3. Kanwar (Kabar) Taal — Begusarai
4. Nagi Bird Sanctuary — Jamui
5. Nakti Bird Sanctuary — Jamui
6. Gogabeel — Katihar
7. Udaipur Jheel — West Champaran
8. Gokul Jalashay — Madhubani
Chhattisgarh
9. Kopra Jalashay — Bilaspur
10. Kopra Reservoir (Kopra Jalashay)- Bilaspur
11. Nanda Lake — North Goa
12. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary — Ahmedabad
13. Thol Lake — Mehsana
14. Wadhvana Wetland — Vadodara
15. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary — Jamnagar
16. Chhari-Dhand — Kutch
17. Sultanpur National Park — Gurugram
18. Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary — Jhajjar
19. Pong Dam Lake — Kangra
20. Renuka Lake — Sirmaur
21. Chandertal Wetland — Lahaul & Spiti
22. Wular Lake — Bandipora
23. Hokersar Wetland — Srinagar
24. Surinsar-Mansar Lakes — Jammu
25. Tso Moriri — Leh
26. Tsokar Wetland Complex — Leh
27. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary — Mandya
28. Magadi Kere — Gadag
29. Aghanashini Estuary — Uttara Kannada
30. Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve — Vijayanagara
31. Vembanad-Kol Wetland — Alappuzha/Kottayam
32. Ashtamudi Lake — Kollam
33. Sasthamkotta Lake — Kollam
Madhya Pradesh
34. Bhoj Wetland — Bhopal
35. Sakhya Sagar — Shivpuri
36. Lonar Lake — Buldhana
37. Nandur Madhmeshwar — Nashik
38. Loktak Lake — Bishnupur
39. Chilika Lake — Puri/Khurda/Ganjam
40. Bhitarkanika Mangroves — Kendrapara
41. Satkosia Gorge — Angul
42. 83. Ansupa Lake — Cuttack
43. 84. Satkosia Gorge —Angul
44. 85. Tampara Lake —Ganjam
45. 86. Hirakud Reservoir — Sambalpur
46. Harike Wetland — Tarn Taran
47. Kanjli Wetland — Kapurthala
48. Ropar Wetland — Rupnagar
49. Beas Conservation Reserve — Amritsar
50. Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve — Gurdaspur
51. Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary — Rupnagar
52. Keoladeo National Park — Bharatpur
53. Sambhar Lake — Jaipur/Nagaur
54. Menar Wetland — Udaipur
55. Khichan Wetland — Phalodi
56. Siliserh Lake — Alwar
57. Point Calimere — Nagapattinam
58. Pallikaranai Marsh — Chennai
59. Pichavaram Mangroves — Cuddalore
60. Gulf of Mannar — Ramanathapuram
61. Vembannur Wetland — Kanyakumari
62. Udayamarthandapuram — Tiruvarur
63. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary — Ariyalur
64. Longwood Shola — Nilgiris
65. Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary — Tiruppur
66. Sakkarakottai — Ramanathapuram
67. Therthangal — Ramanathapuram
68. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary — Ramanathapuram
69. 91. Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex —Kanyakumari
70. 92. Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary — Tiruvarur
71. 93. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary —Chengalpattu
72. 94. Karikili Bird Sanctuary — Chengalpattu
73. Upper Ganga River — multiple districts
74. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary — Unnao
75. Saman Bird Sanctuary — Mainpuri
76. Samaspur Bird Sanctuary — Rae Bareli
77. Sandi Bird Sanctuary — Hardoi
78. Sur Sarovar — Agra
79. Haiderpur Wetland — Muzaffarnagar
80. Patna Bird Sanctuary — Etah
81. Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary — Uttar Pradesh (Sant Kabir Nagar)
82. Haiderpur Wetland— Muzaffarnagar
83. Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake) — Agra
84. Sandi Bird Sanctuary —Hardoi
85. Samaspur Bird Sanctuary — Rae Bareli
86. Saman Bird Sanctuary —Mainpuri
87. Asan Conservation Reserve — Dehradun
88. East Kolkata Wetlands — Kolkata
89. Sundarbans Wetland — South 24 Parganas
90. Udhwa Lake — Sahibganj
91. Khecheopalri Wetland — West Sikkim
92. Rudrasagar Lake — Sepahijala
